The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has warned the Federal
Government and the Army precisely to desist from any actios capable of reminding
Nigerians of her dark days, reports ITRealms.
Reacting at the weekend to the recent raid, arrest and
detention of the publisher of Premium Times, Mr. Dapo Olorunyomi, and his
colleague, Ms Evelyn Okakwu, NGE described it as unwarranted assault on the
freedom of the press and undue interference.
ITRealms recalls that Mr. Olorunyomi, Publisher of Premium
Times, and Ms. Okawu, a Judiciary correspondent of the publication were arrested
by the Nigeria Police in Abuja on Thursday, January 19, 2017, in connection
with a report that the Nigerian Army considered offensive and libellous, but
were later released.
The Guild of Editors in a press statement, made available to ITRealms and signed by its President and General Secretary, Messrs Funke
Egbemode and Victoria Ibanga respectively, noted that the Guild is reliably
informed that the police were acting on a criminal complaint filed by Lt. Gen.
Tukur Buratai, Chief of Army Staff, who alleged that Premium Times had defamed
him by its coverage of military operations against Boko Haram.
However, the NGE said its concerned about the growing
clampdown, intimidation and frequent harassment of journalists by the police
and other law enforcement agencies in the course of doing their lawful jobs and
expressed its displeasure and disappointment over the conduct of the officers
concerned who are supposed to protect them from harm at all times.
“It is important to let overzealous security agencies know
that harassment of media practitioners is inappropriate and capable of creating
tension in an already tensed nation. It is an unkind reminder of the dark days
of military rule, which witnessed concerted efforts to gag the press through
unlawful detention of journalists without trial. Wielding the big stick and
raiding newsrooms at will in a democratic setting are conducts of poor judgment
and sad ways of reminding Nigerians of those days they would rather forget,”
the NGE said.
They reminded all security agencies that what ought to exist
between the media and security is a symbiotic relationship that would promote
peace and help both parties do their jobs effectively. This country belongs to
all of us and we all must work hard to protect the integrity, peaceful
co-existence and all that binds us together as one entity.
The NGE, the duo said, is aware of the enormous
responsibilities and functions of the media as an institution and would like to
note that media practitioners are not above the law. Media practice is guided
by rules and regulations and laws. There are options for any aggrieved person
to seek redress if a media practitioner offends and libels him or her. Arrest
and detention never end well. They only lead to strained relationship.
“It is important to tread cautiously and nurture Nigeria’s
democracy for the benefit of all. Journalists should not be subjected to
inhuman treatment for exercising their Constitutional right to freedom of expression
and doing their jobs,” the Guild insisted.
And thanked all those who caused the release of the affected
journalists, stressing that as law-abiding citizens of Nigeria, “we will
continue to defend our democracy within the confines of what is right and legal
and we implore all media practitioners in the country to continue to emphasize
those things that unite us rather than things that divide us.”
Chuks Egbune/GEE
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